Now and Forever

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Turtle Soup



"Raphael?", Mike called softly as they crept down the dark hallway. He has to be alive. But why would he leave this behind? He held up the lone sai, straining his eyes to examine it in the dim light. The tip was bent at an akward angle, almost as if he had gotten it stuck in something and pulled it out the wrong way.

Splinter put the mask in his cloak for safe keeping. He told himself silently that Raphael would be needing it when he saw him again. He was determined not to give up. He needed to believe that he and Casey were alive, not only for himself, but for Michaelangelo as well.

The eery quiet disturbed him. The only sound was that of their soft footsteps on the cold concrete. He had no idea where their journey would lead them, but soon, he would wish he had never found out.

"Raph?", Mike called again. He squinted at the strangely decorated wall, holding the small light up to its surface. The pictographs of funny looking people in odd costumes made him think of the cartoons he had missed this morning. That didn't matter to him now, however. All that he cared about was finding his brother and Casey and getting Shadow back.

As they walked down the hall, Splinter felt a strange sensation overtake him. The threat of danger took control of his senses, and he latched onto Mike's arm, holding him from going any further.

Mike was stunned by Splinter's sudden halt. "What's the matter, master?"

The rat twitched his whiskers slightly. "I do not know. But I sense peril just ahead."

In his nervousness, Mike dropped the light, and it extinguished on the floor, leaving them in utter blackness.

"Ooops! Ut-oh.", he stooped down and began feeling around on the ground for the stick. He took a few steps, still searching for the exhausted light source, when his foot fell through the floor, taking his body with it.

Splinter heard Mike's terrified scream and called out to him in the darkness, but there was no answer. Determined to make sure nothing happened to his son, he strode forward cautiously, fully aware of the nagging sense of danger that hung in the air.

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"Hey! Where do you think you're going?", Leo frowned angrily at the three who had already begun their ascent up the mountain side. "You girls can't go in there! Come back here!" He clawed at the rocks and began to climb, almost losing his step as his feet slid on the soft mud. The rain had died down to a sprinkle now, but the wind had kicked up, and he had to grip the earth tightly to keep from falling over.

Robyn was proud of herself. Her plan was working. I'm getting good at this stuff! Now was there chance to show just how much the guys needed them.

Pain raced up Leonardo's side as he struggled to pull himself up the mountain. Don watched in silence for a moment, wondering how he would ever make it up this thing with only one hand. Look what a tough time Leo's having!

The truth was, the girls weren't having an easy time of it either. Megan, with the pain of her wounds, had slipped several times already, her shirt and jeans covered with mud. The cuts stung as the dirt seeped in between the stitches. April instantly dreaded the fact that she was wearing sandals. They had absolutely no traction, and the feel of the wet earth squishing between her toes wasn't helping matters. Robyn, deciding it was useless to even try to stay clean, had sunk to her knees and crawled doggie-style all the way up, the harsh wind throwing dirt and debris into her tangled blond hair.

The wind whistled through the trees and whipped Don's bandana tails noisily around his face as he stood contemplating his next move. He was always the one who was expected to come up with ingenious ideas and new ways of solving problems. If he asked for help, would the others think he'd lost his touch? On the other hand, there really was no simple solution this time. One can only do so much with one hand. He decided to swollow his pride and ask. The only other option was to stay behind, and that was out of the question.

"Uhhh...Leo?"

His brother gripped a large rock in one hand, the other hand holding onto a tall stock of vegetation. He turned his head slightly, being careful not to lose his bearings, and glanced at Donatello.

"Ummm...", Don lowered his head for a moment to stare at the bandaged hand. "I need some help."

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"Raph! Catch!", Casey threw him his last hockey stick, and reached back in the bag for a bat. Good thing I brought all this stuff, or we'd be dead ducks right now!

The Foot surrounded them on all sides, taunting them with their weapons. Bisentos, sais, katanas and other sharp objects held the two at bay.

Dammit! My sai! Raph scolded himself for being so careless with his precious weapon, but there was nothing he could do now. He couldn't go back and retreive it. He realized he might as well accept the fact it was gone.

Although the sais were his choice weapon, he had trained with many others as well, but never a hockey stick. Holding it in his hands, he decided it felt kind of like a bo, but one end was slightly heavier than the other, making it clumsy. How does Casey use these things anyway?

The adrenaline flowing now, Casey whipped around and clubbed one of the ninja in the head. The man went down quickly, and Casey kissed the end of the bat.

"Still got it.", he smirked before pulling the mask down over his face.

The Foot went into attack mode. Raph raised the stick, blocking a katana's swift slice. The blade wedged itself into the wood, and Raph yanked the stick back, pulling the weapon from the startled ninja's hands. Hey, pretty cool. Maybe I could get used to this!

As Casey fought, he asked himself how they had gotten into this mess. After he had regained consciousness, and Raphael had calmed down, the two had once again continued their quest to find Shadow. It was a good thing Raphael had somehow managed to keep his torch. Otherwise, they would have never seen the trap door. It had been a tight squeeze against the wall to get past it, and once they had, it had been only moments until the Foot had swarmed in out of nowhere. It seemed no matter what obstacles they overcame, more where always there to get in their way. Story of my life.

They seemed to be attacking soley from one side, as if trying to lure them northward. Realizing their tactical strategy, Raphael began to attack the more passive ninjas, leaving Casey to fend off the others. He wasn't about to let the Foot get the best of him.

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"Uhhhh...", Michaelangelo moaned and rubbed his head as he sat up slowly. It had been a long fall and he had blacked out for a moment. He glanced around the dimly lit room at his unusual surroundings. The concrete walls stretched high above his head. The floor appeared to be made of solid marble. On the far end of the room sat an ancient throne. He strained his eyes as he peered into the darkness. Is someone sitting there? As his eyes adjusted to the dim illumination, he could barely make out the sillhouette of a figure, encased on all sides by the monstrous throne. Foot soldiers lined up next to the chair on either side, burning torches gripped in their reverent hands.

The figure rose, the light glinting from the armor. Michaelangelo recognized the outfit now. Sharp metal spikes adorned the shoulders, and a long dark cape flowed down the back. A metal helmet of sorts sat on the head, along with a mask that covered the nose and mouth, hiding the wearer's identity. It was the hand though, as it raised, that made Mike's jaw drop to the floor, and his heart cry out in terror. He stared in awe at the long sharp daggers that extended from the knuckles. Only one person had he ever seen in this attire. He swallowed hard, trying to force the nausea and fear from his mind as he formed the words.

"Shredder!?"

Suddenly a loud thump sounded behind him. Reluctant to take his eyes off of the shadowy form, he turned around cautiously to find the giant rat laying in a miserable ball on the floor.

"Master Splinter!", he cried in concern and rushed to his sensei's side.

Splinter's body ached fiercely as he struggled to suck in air. He had fallen a long way, and his bones just weren't as strong as they had been in his youth.

Michaelangelo was concerned. Despite Splinter's reassurances that he would be fine, he could see the pain all over his face. As he wrapped his arm around his waist, and hoisted him up, he could feel Splinter waiver. He caught the rat again and hooked his arm around his neck.

"What is it master?", he whispered, gazing nervously at the Shredder who stood watching in silent amusement.

"My leg...I think it is broken."

The masked figure said nothing as it raised a hand in command. Instantly, the Foot swarmed around Mike and Splinter like flies on dung, encircling them in a sort of ritualistic dance. Strong hands latched on to Mike's arms, thrusting them behind his back as his nunchuks and the sai were snatched away. He worried for Splinter. He wouldn't be able to walk on that leg.

One of the Foot shoved the rat harshly, and he fell to the ground in agony. Michaelangelo was instantly outraged.

"Hey! Stop shoving him around like that! Can't you see he can't walk? His leg is broken!"

The figure pulled him close and shoved a fist in his face, the tips of the blades just inches from his beak. Mike swallowed hard again as he gazed into the shadowy face. He couldn't even see the eyes. The thought of their life long enemy returned from the dead filled him with fright.

The figure lowered its hand and gestured to three of the Foot. Splinter's body was then lifted, and they ushered Mike out the door.

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It had been a grueling struggle up the steep mountain side. The girls had had to back track part of the way to help Don and Leo up. With only one hand, Don was forced to rely on their strength and determination to get him up the hill. He felt bad that he couldn't do it on his own, but they had seemed to understand, especially Megan, who appeared to be having pains of her own.

Now here they sat, about half way down the path to the fortress, tired and out of breath. In the light of day, details became visible that hadn't been there in the darkness. The humongous structure was built right into the side of an enormous mountain. The stone and plaster were a dark grey, making the building almost invisible upon first glance.

"Geeze, that climb was harder than I thought.", Don admitted.

"Yeah.", Megan brushed the drying mud from her jeans, and ran her hand down her tender ribs. "And the rain didn't help either."

Well, come on.", Leo rose slowly, his side burning. "We better get moving." Even though they were sheltered by the mountains and dense forest, he still felt too exposed out here in the open.

Leo and April each grabbed one of Megan's arms, and carefully helped her to her feet. The pain in her ribs exploded again, and she had to stand there for a minute to catch her breath.

Robyn offered Donatello her hand. He took it greatfully and stood with a renewed energy.

The clouds had begun to dissolve, revealing a patch of bright blue sky and a friendly sun. The welcomed heat it exuded warmed their weary bodies and dried the wet ground, allowing them easier passage through the trees.

As they made their way down the becknoning hillside, a faint but distinct scream wafted up from the structure below.

"Shadow?", on instinct, April began to race to the fortress, her heart pounding in her chest.

Megan swallowed and stared after her friend. Casey's in there...and Raphael...Mike and Splinter too. We gotta help them! She took off down the road after April.

"Hey!", Leo began to jog after them, the pain keeping him from breaking into a full run. "Come back here! We gotta stick together! It's too dangerous!" He stopped his pursuit, his heart sinking as he watched them fade into the distance.

"Damn", he whispered.

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The Foot was strong; stronger than Casey and Raph had remembered. Despite thier attempts to knock them down, most of the ninjas had managed to remain standing. They were growing tired. Neither had eaten anything since breakfast yesterday morning, and it was starting to take its toll.

Casey thought about April and Megan. He wondered if they were okay. He and Raph had purposely left the car behind just incase the Foot found out where they were hiding. They could be careless and unthinking at times, but when it came to the safety of those they cared about, they weren't going to take any chances.

Raph was having a tough time. He missed the hard, reassuring feel of the cold metal. He admitted to himself that he had underestimated the hockey stick, but it just wasn't a replacement for the sais. As he blocked the blows, the sharp blades dug into the wood, carving little nitches all over it like a woodcutter's axe. The end of the stick was getting weak, and he knew it would only be moments before it broke off. Maybe it's for the better. Then I can use it kinda like a bo. He thought about Donatello again, wondering how he was doing, if he was awake. Then his thoughts turned to Megan and April, and her sister Robyn. He hoped they were okay. Where the heck are Leo and Mike?

Casey was backed up into a corner. He wondered in silent awe how the tables had gotten turned. The Foot surrounded him on all sides. Raph struggled to help him, but he was having problems of his own. The Foot were showing no mercy. They swiped at him five or six at a time, requiring him to perform some fancy footing and blocking maneuvers just to keep from getting hit. He was exhausted. Just when he thought there was enough distance between him and the Foot to take a quick breather, a bisento made its attack. He thrust the stick up to block, and the metal sank deeply into the wood. Then, with a quick jarring motion, the stick was snatched from his hands, and before he could react, something heavy and dense cracked him on the back of the head, sending him to the floor.

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April and Megan huddled together as they stepped carefully through the silent chamber. The eery quiet sent chills down their spines as they studied the intricate furnishings. Cracks of sunlight poured in through tiny scattered holes in the walls, illuminating the otherwise dark passage with a dim, eery light.

April's knees shook as she gripped Megan's clammy hand. Why am I doing this? What the hell was I thinking?, she asked herself over and over. She knew only that her step-daugher and fiance were in here somewhere, and that she had to find them.

Megan's teeth were chattering. They always did that when she was nervous, she wasn't quite sure why. She clenched her jaw shut, silently hoping that April couldn't hear it. Her heart was pounding. The darkness and quiet reminded her of the nightmare she had survived two nights ago at Casey's apartment. Fear rushed through her as she realized just what danger she was putting herself into again.

A sudden scurrying sent the girls hurdling into eachother. "Who's there?", April grasped onto Megan's arm and whispered into the darkness. There was no reply, just a forcefull crack to the head.

"April!" Megan heard the blow, and felt April go limp next to her as her body collapsed to the floor. She backed up quickly, her eyes scanning the area around her in nervous anticipation. Just like that night... She couldn't see their attackers, only hear the faint sound of rustling fabric, and feel the warmth of their breath.

She sensed someone getting near. Ut-uh...not this time! She grabbed the sai from the loop in her jeans and stood ready. How the heck do you use this thing?

She was on her own this time. April was unconscious, and Raphael wasn't around to save her. Her only hope was that Leo and Don would make it here before the Foot had a chance to overtake her.

She held the sai in her right hand, jabbing it into the blackness. The fear turned into determination, the adrenaline pumped through her veins. She would not let them hurt her again.

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The blackness engulfed him as his body was shoved mercilessly to the floor. By the dismal light that poured in from the hallway, he could make out the outline of a small bed in the far corner. Then, a loud thud sounded behind him. Before he could twirl around, the door slammed shut, leaving him alone and helpless.

"Splinter!?", he groped in the darkness, searching for the wounded rat. He could hear the latches being bolted as the door was locked from the outside. Then, there was silence. He rushed forward on hands and knees, finally grasping onto warm furry flesh.

"Master Splinter?" in the darkness it was hard to know his sensei's condition. He lifted his body, holding it upright and cradled him in his arms. "Master?"

The rat did not answer. At first, Mike panicked. He's dead! But then he felt the warm breath on his cheek, and, laying a hand on his chest, could feel the reassuring beat of his heart. Musta passed out from the pain. Relief and concern washed over him all at once. He needed something to wrap the leg, and was regretful that he had no pain killer to give Splinter when he awakened.

A soft sobbing drifted through the room. He lifted his head and peered into the darkness. Who's here? He believed the sound to be coming from the direction of the bed in the corner. He ran his hand across the floor to find a wall, and leaned Splinter's body carefully up against it. Crawling on hands and knees, he used the wall as a guideline and made his way to the other side of the room.

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April's eyes blinked open. Her head throbbed from pain. Disorientation swept over her as she studied the room. She was in a cave of sorts, surrounded on three sides by clay walls. Bars blocked her way on the fourth side, making her feel as though she were in a jail cell. Her arms were stretched high above her head and shackled by the wrists to the wall. She glanced down painfully at her ankles, which were also chained together. A dim light filled the cavern, and she could see a long table about a yard beyond the bars, being prepared for what she perceived as lunch. Her stomach growled with hunger as she watched the shadowy forms carry large platers and bowls back and forth to the table.

How did I get here? And...where's here?

She glanced to the left of the dining area. A roaring fire was crackling around a large stone pot. It reminded her of a witch's brew, although the smells that rose from it made her taste buds yearn all the more.

"April!", a voice whispered loudly. She turned her head quickly to the right, and let out a small gasp as her eyes focused on a dreadful sight. "Megan!"

The girl lifted her weary head and stared up at April. The flesh around her left eye was a tender black and blue.

"My god, what happened?"

Megan forced a weak smile as she explained her determination not to get caught. "I wasn't about to give up without a fight. They punched me in the face. Not very gentleman-like if you ask me."

April stared at her, slack jawed for a moment. "Where are we? What are we gonna do?"

Megan lowered her head in despair. "I don't know."

The smells wafted up from the pot again, and a sick idea floated into April's mind. "My god, Megan, you don't think...they're gonna eat us?"

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"Are you sure you want to go in there?", Robyn stood before the door, backing up slightly in apprehension. "I mean, what if...", her voice trailed off as she gaped beyond the open door to the silent blackness within.

Donatello shot Leo a concerned glance. They both knew they couldn't leave her out here, it was too dangerous.

"Look, Robyn, you'll be fine.", Don tried to reassure her. "Just stick close to us."

She stared at him wide-eyed for a moment, then at Leo, then back at him again. I gotta be strong, she told herself before nodding her head in agreement.

As the three stepped inside, the door slammed shut in its final moment of triumph. The fortress held them all now. There was no turning back, and no one to save them.

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The sobs turned into nervous sniffles as Michaelangelo drew closer. The bed was before him, but he wasn't sure he wanted to know what sat there. He could feel a presence, one that seemed weak and alone. He lowered himself gently on the hard mattress, not wanting to frighten or enrage whoever or whatever this was.

"Hello?", he said softly. The sniffles continued as he sat in wait for an answer. "Who are you?"

Another wave of sniffles echoed through the dark cell.

"I...I want...my...daddy!", a frightened voice cried out, before bursting into uncontrollable sobs.

Mike recognized the voice immediately, and tears of joy and pain welled up in his eyes. "Shadow!"

"U...unca...Mike?", the voice was so tiny, so frail.

Michaelangelo threw his arms around the little girl in a warm embrace, the tears rolling down his cheeks as he cradled her in his arms. The warmth of her little body comforted him. It had been so long since he'd seen her. Even a couple of days had seemed like an eternity.

Shadow wrapped her tiny arms around Mike's neck, and he lifted her from the bed and carried her to where Splinter lay. He was infuriated at the thought of this precious little girl being locked away in a dark dungeon like this, afraid and alone. How could they keep her in a place like this!? He set her down next to his wounded master, and stroked her hair gently.

"It's okay now, Shadow. Uncle Mike won't let anything bad happen to you." Those bastards! They're gonna pay!

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"April, we can't dwell on it, or we'll go insane!", Megan pleaded. The pain flared across her chest as she struggled to free her wrists from the shackles.

"I know...I know. I'm just...scared.", April admitted. She stared through the bars at the dining hall again, the delicious scents wafting through the air, causing her stomach to cry out in hunger. They're not gonna eat us. They can't eat us. But...what if they do...? She shook her head, trying to rid her mind of the horrible thoughts.

"April", Megan decided that a woman to woman chat might help take their minds off of their fears. "Tell me about Raphael."

April stared at her for a moment, a look of bewilderment on her face. "You want to know about Raphael?"

The truth was, ever since he had left last night with Casey, she had been thinking about him more and more; how he'd saved her from death, how he'd cared for her wounds, the way he was always looking at her, the sai that he'd so selflessly given her...those things are like his children, but he left one behind...for me. Dammit...he's gonna be pissed when he finds out the Foot took it!

April cleared her throat and tried to hide her surprise. "What do you want to know?"

"I dunno.", Megan's vision seemed far away. "You've known him for a long time, April. What makes him tick?"

April almost burst into laughter as she thought about how to answer this question. "What makes Raphael tick? God! You've asked one of the biggest mysteries in all the universe!"

Megan frowned at April for a moment. "I don't understand."

"Splinter and the guys have been trying to figure that one out ever since he was small.", she smiled. "Why do you want to know about Raph anyway?"

The look Megan gave her was one of innocence crossed with mischief.

"Oh...", April finally understood. "You...and...oh..."

Megan smiled faintly, then lowered her eyes to the ground. "I don't know...he's just so...different, ya know?"

April smiled weekly again. "That he is."

"I mean he's got such a temper, but...he's also so...I don't know, gentle."

April was silent in contemplation for a moment. Raphael...? Gentle?

"Well, one thing's for sure.", she shot Megan a warm smile. "He and Casey are two of a kind."

Megan smiled. "Yeah, they're both hot headed! And they both think their way is right all the time.", she agreed.

"And...Casey has a soft side too...for me, and...for Shadow.", she lowered her head at the sound of her lost step-daughter's name. She fought back the tears that struggled to surface. "I don't know if we'll ever see her again."

Megan's heart broke as she searched for the right words to comfort her friend, but it was hard for her to think of anything positive with her cousin, his daughter, and her new friends missing, not to mention the fact that she and April were cooped up in this god forsaken place, unsure about what horrifying events were about to take place.

"Don't worry, April.", she managed to get out at last. "We're gonna get her back."

As April opened her mouth to speak, a shadowy figure appeared on the other side of the bars. Her eyes widened in fright as she gaped upon the shiny metal spikes and the long flowing cape.

"Sh...shredder!?", she gasped.

Oh my god...not the Shredder! Megan's mind began to race as she thought back to the conversation she had had yesterday morning with Raphael. He had told her all about their arch enemy, and also how he had been killed by Leonardo's hand.

"Sorry to interrupt your little heart-to-heart.", the voice snapped, "But it's time for lunch."

The gate swung open and four Foot soldiers entered, one standing on each side of the two girls. April was stunned. The voice that had just spoken was definately not that of Oroku Saki. She knew his voice all too well. This person was definately female. She stared at her captor in awe as she tried to figure out who this inpersonator could possibly be.

Their wrists and ankles were unshackled, and they were escorted into the dining hall. April's heart raced as they passed the giant pot. This is it. They're gonna cook us! Instead, they were seated at the table, the four ninjas standing guard around them.

The shredder stood before them, the orange light from the fire gleeming off the shiny chrome, causing the armor to take on a soft glow that illuminated the metal like an aura. The figure lifted its hands up toward its head and pulled off the helmet, revealing shoulder length black hair, and stunning Asian features. Megan shot a questioning glance at April, who returned it with a confused shrug.

The woman set the helmet down in the middle of the table and glared at them. "Enjoy this meal.", she snarled, her mouth twisting like a writhing serpant. "It will be your last." Then, she stormed out of the room.

Megan gulped back the lump that had welled up in her throat and looked at April, the fear showing clear on her face. "Who the heck was that?"

"I'm not sure.", April whispered as she glanced at the metal helmet, then up at the Foot soldiers, who were standing above them as silent and motionless as statues. "And I don't think I want to find out."

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"Don! Here, take this!", Leo shoved a katana in his hand. He clenched the metal handle, the sword weighing heavily in his tight grip. Don was used to his bo and its sturdy simple wood. It was his choice weapon; the only weapon he'd ever really used. The weight and feel of the katana were forgeign to him. He held it up, examining it like it was a new computer code waiting to be cracked.

The Foot began their attack. Don whirrled around just in time to block a katana from crashing into his skull. Their blades were interlocked, held at a standstill. He was still weak from his previous injuries, and he reminded himself that he had already lost one of his hands. He didn't know if he would be able to survive if he lost the other one.

Leo knocked the Foot down with precision and speed. All of the endless hours of feverish practice and discipline had really paid off. Ninjutsu was like second nature to him now. Even in the darkness, he could sense their presence. He was knocking them down before they even had the chance to strike. How do they know where we are? Can they see us?

Donatello kicked the guy in the gutt. Enough of that, he told himself as he heard the man go down.

The Foot knew they were losing fast. If they didn't overtake the turtles soon, they would escape, and the master's plan would be ruined. They couldn't let that happen. One of the ninjas spotted the girl standing frightened and helpless in the corner. He grabbed one of the others and they ran to where she stood.

The sound of Robyn's screaming echoed through the halls, as the Foot latched onto her arms and held her at bay.

"Robyn!", Don called. One of her captors placed a hand over her mouth so she couldn't call out to them. In the darkness, Leo shot Don a worried look. He backed up slowly, holding his weapon out before him, ready to strike.

"Drop the weapons or she dies!", a voice commanded. Robyn tried to scream, but the only sound she could muster up from behind the man's tight grasp was that of her own muffled sobbing.

Leo knew they had no choice. They couldn't let anything happen to Robyn. He stared at the sword in his hand before throwing it down to the ground in defeat. "Fine. We give up."

Don stared at him for a moment, unsure what to do. He had never been much of a fighter, relying on his nack for electronics and his computer programs to get out his frustrations. But now, here in this dreary place, somehow it didn't seem right to give in. But, Leo was the leader, and he trusted him. Don let go of the weapon and it crashed to the floor with a clang.

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The door swung open suddenly, and Mike let out a surprised gasp. A ray of dim light poured into the room, reavealing a sleeping rat, laying next to the turtle and child that were huddled together on the floor.

The Foot swarmed in, followed by their cruel leader. Mike couldn't make out the face in this light, but whoever it was seemed to have forgotten to put its helmet back on.

"Come little boy. I have a present for you.", the figure snarled. Mike remembered this voice from somewhere; someone from the past. As the reality hit him, his eyes widened in surprise. "Karai!?"

One motion of her hand and the Foot surrounded him. Shadow began to cry, and she dug her fingers into the flesh on his arms, holding on for dear life. Michaelangelo knew that putting up a fight would only make matters worse. "Shadow, honey.", he whispered reassuringly, "I have to leave now."

Her sobs rang out again, breaking his heart in two. "Don't go! Don't leave me!"

Tears ran down his cheeks as he rose to a crouch, supporting himself on the balls of his feet. "Don't worry, sweety. I'll be back for you.", his voice quavered as he tried to conceal his grief. He feared he wouldn't live long enough to keep his promise. "In the meantime, I need you to be brave. Grandpa Splinter needs you. He's sick."

Shadow sniffled and squinted in Splinter's direction.

"Can you do that for me?"

Shadow nodded and wrapped her arms around Mike for a final hug. The warmth of her embrace sent a feeling of security and completeness through him. He knew that when he let go, the feeling would subside, and he would be left alone with his fear and agony. "Don't be sad unca Mike. I'll take care u' him!"

Rough hands grabbed Mike's arms and yanked him to his feet as he was escorted into the hallway.

Shadow snuggled up to Splinter and laid her head on his shoulder as the door was shut once again. "Grampa Spleentur...please wake up.", she sobbed. "I need you."

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The Foot filed in two by two and took their places around the table. The smell of the food hung in the air, tempting Megan and April to eat. No one touched the dishes yet, however, as they seemed to be waiting for something.

Karai strode in a few moments later, an ugly satisfied snarl on her otherwise beautiful face. As she sat down at the head of the table, two of the Foot scooted her chair in. All voices faded away into silence as they waited for her to speak.

"This is a glorious occasion!", she shouted at last. "For today, we have conquered our most wretched of all enemies!", she glanced around the table, meeting each of their gazes one by one. "Today, we have captured the turtles!"

Glorious chaos broke out as the Foot called out to one another in triumph. April and Megan exchanged frightened glances. They can't be defeated. They're just trying to trick us.

Karai waited for the voices to die down before speaking again. "So let us eat this well earned feast as we rejoice in our glorious victory!" The voices rose again as plates and cups were banged on the table in excitement. The Foot began to remove their masks and scoop the food onto their plates.

Megan was starving, but a celebration feast in honor of the turtles' defeat was not something she wanted to take part in. She glanced at April who seemed to be feeling the same way.

April closed her eyes as her thoughts turned to Casey and the turtles. Is it true? Are they defeated? The thought was too much for her to bare, and she broke into hysterical sobs.

"Oh...don't you worry.", Karai mocked her, "We have a special dish in honor of you as well." Two of the Foot rose and wheeled the large pot to the table. Delicious aromas wafted through the air as the lid was lifted. They began to make their way around the table, filling each dish as they passed.

Megan stared longingly into the bowl as the broth was poured. She was starving, but she wasn't sure she trusted the food. They're probably trying to poison us.

April shared her reluctance. Her stomach pleaded for relief from its hunger as she stirred the broth around with her spoon. She glanced around the room at the Foot soldiers who had already begun to slurp up the soup. They're eating it. It's got to be okay.

Megan stared into the bowl, deciding that if this would be her last meal anyway, she might as well get what she could out of it. She scooped the meat and broth into her spoon and stared at it for a moment before lifting it to her lips, the warm steam filling her nostrils with a calm reassurance. She glanced at April before taking a bite. As the broth went down, she sat still for a moment, waiting for the poison to overtake her body. The moments ticked by, but nothing happened. She nodded at April and watched as she too began to eat.

Megan decided the meat had a funny taste, not really unpleasant, but strange all the same. It was kind of like chicken, just slightly more bitter. As she chewed it, she noticed it filled her mouth with a funny, gritty sensation.

The taste of the broth made April hungry all the more. The liquid was flavorful, the meat tough, but edible. The Foot seemed to be enjoying it. She glanced at Karai, who was on her second helping. She lifted the bowl ungracefully and slurped down the contents, the juice dripping from her chin. What a barbarian.

Karai noticed April's curious gaze and smiled wickedly before bursting into ear-piercing laughter. The evil cackling filled the cavern, and the room grew quite as everyone's attention turned toward their leader.

She drew in a breath and stood from the chair, spreading her arms out to her sides in a gesture of power. "Are we enjoying the soup?", she called out so everyone could hear her.

April knew instantly that something must be up. Oh my god, they did poison us! She began to speak, but Karai interrupted her.

Megan glared into her evil eyes as she continued. "Well knowing how close you were to the turtle, it seems only fitting that he be a part of you now."

Megan didn't understand. "What do you mean?", she glared at Karai, wondering how she could possibly know about what had gone on between her and Raphael. She must have overheard our conversation a little while ago.

"Ha ha ha ha!", the cackling came again, sending a frightened chill up her spine. The words Karai spoke next would change Megan's life forever.

"You mean you don't know?", she pretended to be surprised. "Your stomach is digesting him right now." She turned to the rest of the room, raising her hands triumphantly into the air. "Today", she called, "Today we dine on....turtle soup!"

Glorious laughter echoed throughout the dining hall, scorning and mocking them as they sat paralized in terror.

Megan gawked into the bowl, a wave of nausea flooding through her. Her head was spinning. God, no! Turtle soup...Raphael! God no! No! This can't be happening! I'm gonna... She jumped up from the chair and ran toward the wall, gripping her stomach as the convulsions overtook her. Karai laughed hysterically as she watched Megan lose her lunch.

April too became instantly ill. Her face turned a ghastly white as she went into shock. Her body shook with terror as she stared into the near empty bowl. My friends. My god...I ate my friends!

"Aw...what's wrong?", Karai teased, "Don't like the soup? I told you it was a well earned meal." She smiled down at April with mock sympathy as the laughter broke out again. "We couldn't let all that good meat go to waste."

April's body shook with disgust and sheer terror.

"Still not good enough for you? Well, I have another treat for you then." She motioned with her hands and a Foot soldier rose, bowed and hurried from the room. He returned a moment later, carrying a small plate.

"Here.", she grimmaced as he set the dish down in front of April. "I think Mr. Jones would have loved for you to have these." Her maniacal laughter filled the air as a ghastly terror broke out on April's face. She rose from the table, stumbling over the chair as she gawked at the dish. She buried her face in her hands and broke into hopeless sobs. Her life was over. She wanted to die. They were staring up at her accusingly, blaming her for the horrible crime she had just committed. You ate Raphael, they seemed to say. As she ran away in terror, the sickness swept over her. She doubled over in pain, coughing hysterically. Casey's eyeballs watched her in silence as she passed out on the floor.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

In a little dark room, far below the dining hall, down in the depths of the surrounding hills, stood a turtle; broken, shackled and alone.

Pain coursed through his body as the poisons took control. He tried to make himself throw up the tainted liquid, but it was no use. If only his hands were free so he could gag himself with his fingers.

The jeweled cup lay on its side on the floor. The Foot were keeping their distance as they stood in silent wait for the drug to take its effect.

Michaelangelo had tried to resist the drink. He'd kicked and squirmed and clenched his teeth shut. But, in the end, when the knife had begun to slice his throat, spilling the sticky warm liquid down toward his plastron, and the threat of Splinter and Shadow's demise became a cold reality, he had given in.

The liquid burned as it went down, his whole body tingling with raw, nervous energy. The sweat beaded up in tiny droplets on his forehead. He struggled against the chains as the anger began to build inside of him. What's happening to me? He tried to call out, but found he had no voice.



Chapter Fifteen

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